Sunday, February 23, 2014

After taking a few days off with this being my birthday week, I decided to sit back and find some type of horror flick for my Saturday viewing. Unfortunately, I could not find anything that screamed to me. After some thought, I decided on the 2014 entry Fields of the Dead.

Plot/ even friends find themselves on an isolated farm. Here, they discover an ancient book, which summons demons from the surrounding woods. Now, these friends will have to find a way out of the fields, if they want to survive.

I had a feeling this low budget entry was going to have some flaws, and I was right. While there are a few moments that are pretty good with some Ok cinematography, unfortunately, most of it felt pushed.The acting is all over, the story a bit incoherent, and there was very little, if any, atmosphere. In the end, this is just another forgettable horror flick which allows its disjointed storyline drag it down. Sure, there are worse movies out there, but there is nothing here that cries out for a recommendation.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

A few months ago, I sat back and watched Underground: the Julian Assange
Story, a movie focused on the early career of one of the most famous hackers known.
I should have stopped there. While I do support the whistleblowers and what
Assange stands for, I cannot sit back and watch him and his efforts be drug
through the mud by an agenda driven Hollywood establishment. That is exactly
what is happening here in The Fifth Estate.

Plot/ A dramatic thriller based on real events that reveals
the quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power that turned an
Internet upstart into the 21st century's most fiercely debated organization.

I rented this thinking it was going to be a biopic, focusing
on Assange and WikiLeaks. Unfortunately, while that is what it was called, it
was more of a propaganda piece directed toward attacking Assange and further polluting
the waters against him. Like him or not, his ideologies make sense, and he
should be supported. This film is way too complex for what was trying to be
portrayed. Based on multiple books (by legal enemies’ none-the-less) the
disjointed feel is apparent from the start. There were some decent acting
moments and a couple of decent visuals, but mostly it was a dialog driven and
complex political thriller with an agenda. In the end, this movie is nothing
close to Underground: the Julian Assange Story, which talked about his early life and first
major hack, that movie has a soul. This one is an agenda driven propaganda fest and should be
skipped!

Monday, February 17, 2014

The weekend has come and gone a it was back t the institute. For some reason, we do not get President's Day off, and what I had often viewed as a three-day weekend near my birthday, is but a faded memory. Oh well, now I an preparing for the ice storm that should greet my birthday morning. Catching up from the weekend, the next selection if Hellraiser: Deader from 2005.

Plot/ A journalist uncovers an underground group who can bring back the dead and slowly becomes drawn into their world.

This was one of the more original Hellraiser sequels, although it is clearly evident that this project did not start or evolve from the mythos. The story is interesting, and felt as though it may have been better served without Hellraiser elements. Sure, there are some decent moments with Pinhead and his minions, although it would have made it closer to the mythos if they had been around more.The acting is solid, the atmosphere is decent and there was a lot to like. Even with the lack of Cenobites and Pinhead, this. one captured some of the darkness that made the first entries memorable, although it is somewhat difficult to call it a Hellraiser sequel. In the end, this is a solid movie when viewed as standalone horror flick vice being part of the Hellraiser franchise. Give it a shot it is interesting to watch.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

This has been a strange week. Between crazy weather and a rogue illness, I have had a rough week. Honestly, when I sleep for over 13 hours straight in an night, there is something wrong with me. On top of that, I just lacked energy and did not watch anything. This weekend I did get caught up on my health and with some movies. First up, the 2013 ghost story Haunter.

Plot/ The ghost of a teenager who died years ago reaches out to the land of the living in order to save someone from suffering her same fate.

The ghost story genre has been more bad than good in recent years, with found-footage and handcam movies being all the rage. This ghost story was one that came with a bit of a surprise. Complete with an interesting and layered storyline and some solid acting this one had the potential to be even better. Unfortunately, the repetitive script and lack of overall atmosphere never allows the mood to build into any consistent scares. In the end, this one is better than most and is actually an original ghost story. Yes, it is flawed, but most films are flawed in some way. Give it a shot.

Monday, February 10, 2014

This weekend, The Ringmaster’s Realm had the chance to catch up with writer / director Erik Bloomquist of a new project entitledFounders Day. This layered mystery has an awesome concept trailer that boasts both atmosphere and characterization; a sample that make us want to see more. After you check it out, you too should be amazed this project is in its infancy, as it already delivers more than some horror that it is already on the shelves.

In FOUNDERS DAY, the quaint, suburban town of Fairfield is shaken by the shocking murder of high school student, Melissa Thompson. The prime suspect is jailed, and the residents look to the town's bicentennial celebration to provide a sense of strength and normalcy. When more bodies turn up, however, the citizens of Fairfield grow increasingly suspicious of one another. With no clear motive, everyone is a suspect.

From watching the concept piece, this appears to be a layered storyline, is that the case?

We’re telling an intricately plotted murder mystery, so there are definitely several things going on at once. But always in an accessible, thoughtful, and fun way.

Is this more of an action or character driven film?

I would say it’s both. It’s the characters that drive the action though, and that’s what makes those heightened moments really fun. This is a film whose intimate moments are just as compelling as the action sequences. The stakes are always high.

What type of response has the completion of the concept trailer for FOUNDERS DAY generated?

Uniformly positive, which has been extremely gratifying and humbling. What’s especially great is that it’s not only fans of the genre are excited to see this. We’ve tapped all sorts of demographics that have expressed a desire to see FOUNDERS DAY. Comments like “I don’t like horror movies, but I want to see this!” or “This might be the first scary movie I actually like” are music to my ears. And I think that all boils down to the story being something that appeals to people on a human level, rather than being something that is polarizing or stale.

How close is the project to becoming a movie?

We’re hoping to build enough momentum and interest in the project to allow us to shoot the feature this upcoming autumn.

The concept trailer had an IndieGoGo and Kickstarter Page. Can fans who want to see more still contribute?

Absolutely, and you would have they team’s sincerest gratitude. If fans would like to make a direct donation to the development fund for FOUNDERS DAY, they can e-mail us at info@FoundersDayMovie.com

What is the plan moving forward with FOUNDERS DAY?

To continue to share the trailer with as many people as possible to get them excited to see the feature film. After being produced, like all movies, we would ideally love some sort of theatrical release paired with other distribution outlets.

Is there anything that you would like to tell people about the film project?

This project is something special. Please share the trailer with your friends, and encourage them to do the same. Join us on our social media pages to stay in the loop. These things are absolutely invaluable to the process. The more people talking and sharing, the faster we can share this story with everyone.

More information on this project can be found from their official Press Release. Swing by one of their links and check it out!

‘Founders Day’ Concept Trailer Premieres Online

Hartford, CT - MainFrame Pictures is proud to announce the release of the official concept trailer for their forthcoming feature film Founders Day. Principal photography on the trailer took place entirely in the state of Connecticut from August 14-18, 2013. Production included 18 actors, 20 crew members, and dozens of extras from across the northeast.

In Founders Day, the quaint, suburban town of Fairfield is shaken by the shocking murder of high school student, Melissa Thompson. The prime suspect is jailed, and the residents look to the town's bicentennial celebration to provide a sense of strength and normalcy. When more bodies turn up, however, the citizens of Fairfield grow increasingly suspicious of one another. With no clear motive, everyone is a suspect.

Founders Day is written, directed and produced by Erik C. Bloomquist, a Connecticut-based actor and filmmaker. His recent film Midnight Brew, starring Kyle Edward Cranston and Greta Quezada, recently played the Trinity Film Festival and took home the Screener’s Choice Award. Another project, Laundry Night, will soon enter its third year on international television on ShortsHD TV.

Bloomquist and his team expect to shoot Founders Day in Connecticut in Autumn 2014 and release the film in Autumn 2015.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

After spending Friday enjoying the Kevin Smith classic Dogma, it was time to watch the flick that was originally scheduled in that slot. While I usually stick to a schedule, sometimes it is nice to share the television. With my schedule now intact, I watched the 2013 flick Dark Touch.

Plot/ In a remote town in Ireland, eleven-year-old Niamh finds herself the sole survivor of a bloody massacre that killed her parents and younger brother. Suspecting a gang of homicidal vandals, the police ignore Neve's explanation that the house is the culprit. To help ease her trauma, dutiful neighbors Nat and Lucas take her in with the supervision of a social worker. Neve has trouble finding peace with the wholesome and nurturing couple, and horrific danger continues to manifest.

I saw this one and I had to watch it. What I found when watching was a strange combination throughout the movie. Yes, there was a lot to like in this layered story. The acting is solid, and it has a dark intensity and a heavy atmosphere that was perfect for this story. Unfortunately, at some point the incoherent nature of the film spiraled and the initial pace, which drew you in, dwindled. Once that scattered to happen, the storyline lost control and failed to live up to the potential it started out with. In the end, it was not a terrible movie, but there are better movies to choose from. Stay clear unless you have no other choice.

Friday, February 7, 2014

There are times in my life where I realize that I missed something. It does not matter whether it was a great book, a great ban, or even a great movie, having spent so many years out to sea, I just overlooked some classics. As I discovered tonight, that was the case with the 1999 classic comedy Dogma.

Plot/ An abortion clinic worker with a special heritage is called upon to save the existence of humanity from being negated by two renegade angels trying to exploit a loophole and re-enter Heaven

It may seem crazy, but tonight was the first time I have seen this Kevin Smith classic, and I am glad I did. In fact, I am kind of pissed at myself for not watching it sooner. There was a lot to like. The cast was perfect, the dialog hilarious, honestly everything worked better than I could have ever imagined. Yes, it was violent, and yes, the language and subject matter will turn some people of, but who cares. Smith absolutely hit the nail on the head and pointed out many issues of the church that filmmakers usually will not touch, and he should be applauded. In the end, this is one of the funniest and entertaining flicks I have seen in some time, and I am mad I waited 15 years to see it. Don't make the same mistake, if you have not watched it, go out and watch it today.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Yesterday, I unfortunately battled a headache all day after my 2.5 hour drive to work in the snow. While I do not mind driving in the snow, eight inches of fresh snow is not fun. Now the forecast is for an inch of sleet, I cannot win, especially as the institute never even posts a delay. To help me pass my evening after NCIS, I decided upon the 2013 flick, The Banshee Chapter, something I had never heard of until tonight.

Plot/ A Journalist Anne Roland explores the disturbing links behind her friend's sudden disappearance, an ominous government research chemical, and a disturbing radio broadcast of unknown origin.

There eare times when I stumble upon a movie fand come out totally surprised by what I have found. That was the case with this movie and the underlining MK-Ultra undertones. With an interesting storyline, some decent acting (for a lie budget film), and a nice mixture of real-time and found footage, this one definitely exceeded my expectations. Sure, some of the paving drunks of, the plot is choppy, and the sound is all over, but that does very little to bring this one down. In the end, this ius one of the better low budget films I have seen in some time, and more importantly, it had an inkling of originality. If you have chance, check it out.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

The Kennedy Assassination has always been one of the biggest stories I have researched. While like many others, I have no answers, I will continue my search for the truth, as the company line does not work. Even the b government understands that, ruling the Warren Report missed some details in a little known ruling from the 1970s. With this being a disappointing Super Bowl Sunday, I decided to kick back and watch the 2013 Kennedy Assassination film Parkland.

Plot/ A recounting of the chaotic events that occurred at Dallas' Parkland Hospital on the day U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

There is no greater tragedy than the assassination of President Kennedy. While answers remain to be found on the events leading up to the fatal shots, and no clear answers have come to light on the reality of events, what took place in the days and moments following the killing is a story that should have been told much sooner. Not a political or conspiracy driven film, this drama has a lot to like. The acting and cast do a great job at creating a story with emotion and atmosphere. All in all, it is a tremendous film that does shed some light on some of the overlooked events and more importantly the lives of some of the players from that tragic day. In the end, 90-minutes was not long enough for this gripping character study. This is a film that all must see and even though it is not a conspiracy driven flick, it does have some moments where questions creep in. If you have not seen it, check it out.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Last night I was a bit disappointed with my movie selection. While the case sounded interesting, it did not in any way live up to the description. For tonight, I was able to pick up one that I know will have some schlock moments, the 2012 Dario Argento 3D adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic, Dracula.

Plot/ It has been 400 years since Count Dracula's beloved Dolingen De Gratz passed away, leaving the immortal bloodsucker forever abandoned. But when he discovers that local newlywed Mina Harker bears a striking resemblance, Dracula embarks on a bloody quest to reunite with his long lost love and live forever with her in hellish immortality. Only the arrival of vampire expert Abraham Van Helsing can put an end to the unholy plan.

Dario Argento's Dracula is an interesting watch for many different reasons. While, I am not sure exactly what direction the film was intended to take, it did have some entertaining moments. Almost an homage to the classic exploitation flicks of the 1970s, this one feels like it is better suited for time. This is far from Argento's best, although it does boat a sexy edge, some decent gore and an awesome soundtrack. Unfortunately, between the horrible CGI, the choppy editing, uneven performances, and slow pacing, this one leaves a lot to be desired. In the end, this unneeded adaptation of Dracula does have some fun moments that did remind me of my youth, but those are nowhere near enough for me to go out and recommend this one to everyone. Sure, there are worse versions out there, but that is expected with a classic tale. Unless you are a serious Argento fan, it may be better to just stay clear.